Agreement between Croatia and the European Space Agency

Abstract

This article aims to present an agreement between Croatia and the European Space Agency that was concluded in 2018. The Agreement is the first act establishing formal cooperation between the European Space Agency and the Republic of Croatia, making it a significant step in the process of Croatia’s entry into the framework of European cooperation for space exploration. Therefore, after a brief introduction, this article begins by explaining the nature of the different types of connections between the European Space Agency and states. Thereafter, the position of the Agreement in the wider framework of space law is recalled, mentioning the specificities of Croatia (not) being party to core treaties that form space law. Subsequently, the Agreement is examined, highlighting some of the articles which seem more interesting from the perspective of general international law. Finally, an overall assessment of the Agreement is given, especially when considering what it may mean for Croatia to position itself in the European states’ network for the exploration of outer space.